This week marked the beginning of the new school year. My kids were ready to get back “in the saddle” and have been excited about their new classes, new teachers and new friends–which is always a good thing for us parents.
As is par for the course at the beginning of the year, Wesley, my big 4th grader, came home from school yesterday with a lot of things that needed a parents signature. But there was one in particular for him to sign that caught my eye. It was titled, “Student Pledge” and read:
I am responsible for all my actions and behaviors
I will listen, do my work and learn
I will respect the feelings, property, and rights of others
I will be a good citizen by doing what is right, not because I am being watched by adults, but because it is the right thing to do for myself and others.
After reading this it occurred to me that us “big people” should claim this pledge for our own. I think the line that stands out for me is the first one, “I am responsible for all my actions and behaviors”. Wow!
What’s your favorite line? How would your life change if you claimed the Student Pledge for your own?
What a great post, and way to go on seeing it’s truth past the 4th grade. Wow is right.
I’m with you on #!. But I also think #4 is extremely crucial. Doing what’s right, even when no one is watching? – yeah, pretty fundamental when you think about it—integrity.
‘Think I’ll print these out and stick them on my bathroom mirror.
Thanks for the trip back to the 4th grade. I think we need to spend some more time there.
Thanks Gail. You’re right. There’s certainly much there we could learn!